Ben Gurion Airport Prepares for Holiday Rush Amidst Staffing and Draft Evasion Concerns

Ben Gurion Airport is bracing for a significant surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming holiday season, with projections of approximately 2.5 million travelers passing through Israel's main airport. On peak days, the airport anticipates handling up to 100,000 passengers daily, according to Channel 14.

The Israel Airports Authority stated that the airport is operating normally and flights are departing on schedule. Following recent technical issues, additional staff have been assigned to baggage handling to prevent delays. These measures were intensified after disruptions last month, reportedly caused by staff leaving shifts prematurely.

The increased passenger flow has also coincided with security forces and military police apprehending dozens of draft evaders attempting to leave the country. In recent days, numerous soldiers trying to travel to Ukraine via transit flights for a pilgrimage to Uman, to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, were detained at Ben Gurion. Among those stopped were two soldiers removed from a Wizz Air flight bound for Poland just before departure.

To manage the expected congestion, the Airports Authority advises passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance, check flight information, and prepare all necessary documents before entering the terminal. The airport has previously faced risks of major disruptions due to a shortage of ground staff, a problem exacerbated by the approaching peak holiday period.